The "P. Lug" Cup - Peter Vanderlee Memorial Trophy

We (Peter's old hockey mates) created the P.Lug Cup trophy for an annual memorial hockey challenge as part of our regular Sunday morning Rocket hockey (in Weston, Ontario, Canada).

Peter enjoyed many years/beers at Rocket hockey when he came to town; so we're sure he would be laughing at the fact we spray painted his actual jock cup and mounted it on a trophy.

Peter’s farewell tour: Stop #5, Rupert, Quebec

Saturday, June 11th was the last of the five (yup, he had a very wide net!) stops on the Big Pete's Farewell Tour.

Peter’s farewell tour: Stop #1, Tucson

In his 12 years in Tucson, Arizona, Peter pulled together a wide network of friends and associates. Many of them gathered February 20, 2011, at the home of Lowell Thomas to comfort each other and begin Peter’s farewell tour.

Peter’s farewell tour: Stop #3, Toronto

About 40 friends, relatives and old buddies gathered on March 19, 2011, at the Canyon Creek eatery on Front St. in Toronto, to wish Peter farewell and to trade stories. As usual, such gatherings are bitter-sweet. We all miss the big guy but it was great seeing old friends after a decade or two.

Some pictures follow.

Peter's farewell tour: Stop #4, Kingston memorial

On Sunday, March 20th we gathered with childhood family friends, the van der Kooi's and the Bayly's, to remember Peter. Thank you to all who were able to join us.

Also much appreciation to Rev. Jack Bennett and the staff of Rideaucrest who helped to make this occasion go forward smoothly.

Pictures follow.

Peter’s farewell tour: Stop #2, Ottawa

Peter would have enjoyed it, I'm quite sure. Seventeen friends from the world of words, car racing, jams and business gathered to share stories and drinks together March 12, 2011, at Maxwell's bar on Elgin St. in downtown Ottawa.

It was wonderful to see you all!

Here are a few pictoral momento's:

Peter's baseball days

Back in 1981, I (Jeff Larocque) was manager of the Balmy Arms Bruisers, a pub league, three-pitch team. Peter held down first base. We played other pubs in the "Beaches" area of Toronto once a week in season.

Peter makes the cover of Bruiser News

Painting on the balcony

On my visit in 2004 I spent some relaxing time on Peter's balcony messing about with pastels and paints while enjoying the view of 'his' mountain.

Tucson landscape images

Peter loved the Tucson area. This set of pictures shows part of the reason why.

Slideshow:early years and more

Family and friends over the years

A Signature Trick

I met Peter at Humber College in 1972. We’d both enrolled in journalism. He had just turned 18. I was 20. Between classes we often went to the gym. Peter was fit and lean, and just out of high school football.

One of our regular stops on the gym circuit was the trampoline. I still have vivid memories of Peter’s signature trick. He called it the dead man’s drop.

Peter and Bozo Racing

Long time buddy Shaun McLaughlin sent me the news. Like most, I could not believe what I was reading. When Shaun said that they were considering setting up a blog to commemorate Pete’s life, I thought it was a great idea. Seeing everyone’s entries to date, I now understand that I was just a small part of Pete’s larger-than-life life. I wanted to contribute to the blog, but there are so many stories and memories to tell that I did not know where to start. Some of you might remember that for a short time, Peter owned a motorcycle….so here goes…

Peter Vanderlee: The Accomplishments

I'm still incorporating the fact that Peter's left the planet.

Few, if any, friends have had the impact that Peter has had on my life. Overall it was a hugely positive impact, filled with the ultimate highs and lows associated with anyone truly interesting.

Others have spoken well to Peter's dynamism, vision, generosity, inspiration and compassion. Something I'd like to add is his "official bio". Peter and I always found or even invented reasons to work together since we were first introduced by Shaun McLaughlin in the mid-80s.

Pictures

with Mom, Dad and daughter Jessica

with love of his life, daughter Jessica  - on a desert tour

With Mike Darch on Peter's 50 party in my barn!

with Ron Scammell at the Kaffe 1870, Wakefield, QC

Peter and Lamin Sisay

Lamin's pic of Peter's view from his place.

       My Bro in 2004 when I was checking out his new lifestyle. 

Peter and John Grabo

from Mark Jodoin

Peter was such a treat. We're all just bowls of cold oatmeal by comparison.

If there is a heaven, it just became smarter and a lot more fun.

'Wakefield' Mark Jodoin

from his Rocket hockey team

Weston We Have A Problem

It is with a very Heavy Heart that I send out this message. A Rocket Legend has passed away. Our very own #747 and the original Plug ... PETE VANDERLEE HAS PASSED AWAY.

Pete is known to us for many things but most dear to me was that huge infectious smile, that Santa like chortle, and his love for the Rockets. He was not just a Rocket but my friend. He was an inspiration to making the Rocket experience better.

from Chris George

Linda,

 

Lisa and I were speaking of you last evening and we wish to send our love at this very sad time. 

 

Peter meant a lot to his friends and we were blessed to have him as part of our lives. I am so pleased that my boys got a chance to meet him and that they heard of "Pete the snake charmer" tangling with the rattlers of the Arizona dessert. 

 

We are so sorry for you and your family. It is such a difficult time - but we can take comfort in knowing that Pete is smiling on all of us. He exemplified the "good guy" and demonstrated always that by staying positive it is possible to find a happiness in our daily pursuits. This thought I'll be holding in my mind - along with Peter's mischievous grin.

 

Our thoughts are with you and your family, love,

 

Chris George

from Randy Litchfield

I am so sorry to hear the news about Peter. He was a bigger than life character and I will miss his eternal optimism and generosity. Those traits make him immortal in my book.

Please extend my condolences to your family.

I look forward to seeing you at Pete's memorial service.

Sincerely

Randy Litchfield

from Cyndi Korbar

I am so sorry for your loss...he was a very sweet man...

Cyndi Korbar
SVB Private Client Services

from Rob Humphrey

Thank you so much for letting me know - I'm very sorry to hear of Peter's passing and your loss.

I worked with Peter a number of years ago, and always found him engaging and a joy to work with.

Sincerely,

Rob Humphrey
Kensington

from Robert Crow

Mike, I heard and was truly saddened. He was a major influence in my life. God willing I will see you in Toronto.

Very best wishes and my condolences to your family.

Robert (Bob) Crow
RIM

from David Watson

What?

He and I knew each other through business for the past 20 years.

Geez.


David Watson
CEO
Plaintree Systems Inc.

from Miran Maric

I'm so sorry for your loss, Mike.

Peter was a great man. He helped my business partner and I greatly when we were still in college.

My condolences goes out to your entire family. He will surely be missed.

Kind Regards,

Miran Maric

from Smitty

Thank you Michael - my condolences to you and your family, especially Peter's daughter.

He was always a great friend and he will be very much missed and will be kept close to my heart.

God Bless Mike.

Smitty

from Daryl Duda

My deepest condolences. I exchanged e-mails with Peter mid-January and was to follow-up later this month. He will be missed. I worked with him for many years at BCB and VIQ and last saw him in Tucson a couple of years ago.

Thank you for send the e-mail. Please pass on my condolences to his daughter as well.

Respectfully,

Daryl R. Duda
Dataworxs

from Mike Brownlee

I'm very sorry to hear this news!  I worked with Peter for a couple of
years and stayed in touch for many more years. I'll miss him a lot!

With my sincere condolences,

Mike Brownlee

from Larry Novak

Thank you Mike...and my most sincere condolences....

I did hear of Peter's passing and am still coming to grips with it. He was a cherished friend and a respected associate...I will miss him greatly...

I will attempt to get down for one of the celebrations of his life...

Best...

Larry Novak

from Lyn Decker

I am truly sorry to hear about Peter's passing.  I really enjoyed talking and laughing with your brother.

Peter was the business consultant with AVI when I was one of the Principals of the company.  Peter taught me a lot and was always there to talk to me, for that I will be forever thankful.

I hope the guitar worked out for you during the service. I am so sorry I was unable to attend I was out of town, but my thoughts were with Peter that day.

Please pass on my heartfelt sympathy to you and your family. Take care.

Sincerely,

Lyn Decker
U.S. District Court of Arizona

from Mike Flanagan

Thanks for reaching out.  I actually had heard this sad news from some
Tucson friends a couple of weeks ago. 

God rest his soul...he was a good man!!

Sincerely,

Mike Flanagan

from Christine Bottagaro

Thank you for the update - I very much appreciate the outreach. 

Peter and I partnered to promote CopperKey with Sybase and had a great time doing it.  I had him present at a webcast and a few other activities.  He was a pleasure to work with and a real fun character.

My thoughts are with you and yours.

Christine Bottagaro
Sybase

from David Cohen

I was at the nice memorial on Saturday and appreciate you reaching out to his circle of influence.

Peter was a great guy and I really enjoyed his company. I am saddened that I will no longer see him at Desert Angel events.

Best regards to you and your family.

David Cohen
Beach Fleischman

from Aasim Saied

Dear Mike and the Vanderlee family,

We are saddened to hear about Peter and our condolences to the family.

We all miss him. He was a great help as an advisor and also was a great entrepreneur.

Take care,

Aasim Saied
Logic Wireless

From Ann Newman

My sincere condolences to you and the rest of the family.  Peter was such a positive, truly NICE person.  He didn’t care what your title was or station in life.  He made everyone feel special.  That is a gift. 

I am sorry that I will not see him again in this world.  Hang on to what a good person he was. 

God must have really needed some help.

Ann Newman

from Michael Marzolini

This is very sad news indeed. Please accept my most sincere sympathies on your loss. Peter was an amazing man who was always full of ideas, optimism and a can-do attitude.

He "bunked" with my firm for a few years in the 90's and won much admiration and friendship from both our staff and clients. I haven't seen him in quite a few years, but we've stayed in touch, and we will miss him a lot.

Please extend our condolences to your family. I will pass along your sad message to the legion of people in Toronto who admired, liked and respected Peter to a great degree, and who like me will mourn his passing.

Sincerely,

Michael Marzolini

Memories of a Brother

I am back from Tucson now...the place where Peter spent the last 12 years or so. We (Mike, Jess and I) were warmly welcomed and comforted by the place and the friends that kept our brother, Jess's father, there.

My Friend Peter

Peter was my friend. I met him in 1986. Through the years I played hockey and golf with him, travelled with him, worked with him, and over many many many drinks listened to his many many many great ideas and plans and as well as a few suspect ones. All of these though did have a common theme, which I am sure Pete did not even notice, that in the end his plans were always helping someone else and just maybe would be to Pete's benefit. If you know Pete no more has to said here. We all have many fond memories of situations with Pete, I have a lifetime of them, how he could make friends so easy with everyone. I don't know why but one thing that sticks out to me is once on a visit to Las Vegas with Pete I introduced Pete to my dear old uncle Mel who lived and struggled there. Pete immediately saw his situation and immediately treated him like a king, took him to dinner, the Hoover dam - you name it. What impressed me most is my uncle never forgot and over the years the first thing he would always ask me if I was to visit there was "Is your friend Pete coming with you?" After only meeting the guy once Pete made that big of an impression on him. I'm sure there are many other stories out there like that. My thoughts are with you Linda, Mike and Jess - he was a great brother and proud Dad.

GET DE PUCK PETE

Larry Beard
Toronto

A Mensch to a Fault

If memory serves me, I first met Peter back in the mid-'70s when I took on the role of art director at the Canadian university-targeted freebie quarterly 'mag', "Like It Is".

From the very get-go, I discovered that Peter was hard NOT to like. He was clearly a big teddy bear of a guy w/a quick wit, a native intelligence, a born problem solvers curious mind, and someone who truly relished life to the fullest---from sports (hockey, golf, football), to good food, to a good read, to various potent potables (OK beer. HA!)------ mostly in the company of his close 'buds'.

Good Advice from a Great Friend

I first met Peter in September 1972 when we were first-year students in the journalism program at Humber College in Toronto. I last saw him November 16, 2010, when he dropped me off at the Tucson airport for my return trip to Ottawa. I never for a second thought it was a final farewell.

Over our 38 years, Peter dealt out lots of good advice. I didn't always listen but on three pivotal occasions I did.

In Lieu of Flowers

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to:

The Arizona Sonoran Desert Museum,
2021 North Kinney Road, Tucson, AZ  85743. 
The check should note 'In Memory of Peter Vanderlee'.
Donations are also accepted on their website.
www.desertmuseum.org/support/ongoing/memorial.php

(Note: Peter loved to walk about at this grand outdoor living museum.)

Or

To the Alzheimer’s Society of Canada
www.alzheimer.ca/english/help/donate_intro.htm
The cheque should note on it 'In Memory of Peter Vanderlee'.

(Note. Peter's mother is severely afflicted with Alzheimer's.)

Appreciatively,

Jessica (daughter)
Niek, Dickie (parents)
Mike and Linda (brother and sister)

More Great Advice from Big Pete

Like so many of Peter's friends, I too got lots of advice from the big guy. Like panning for gold, there were more than a few golden nuggets over the years.

One of the best decisions I've ever made was to pack up and move to Wakefield, Quebec, a move inspired by Peter on a drive to the country on a cold, bright winter day more than 25 years ago.